The meeting’s most noteworthy development was the confirmation of a $1.066 million grant awarded to the park board for the construction of a new bathhouse. The grant approval followed a competitive evaluation process, during which the board made strategic adjustments to their proposal in response to budgetary feedback. This funding allows for the planning and eventual construction of the bathhouse, with contracts set to be signed after July 1, 2026, and the project is slated for the 2026-2027 budget cycle.

Design considerations were a prominent topic during the meeting, with discussions on opting for a prefabricated structure to manage costs. However, the board acknowledged that this approach would limit architectural customization, such as the inclusion of windows. These design discussions will continue in upcoming meetings, as the board seeks to balance budget constraints with community and aesthetic considerations. The board also noted the need for entrance and wayfinding signage design, which may not be covered by the grant. Recommendations to explore various contractors, particularly those specializing in modular construction, were made to ensure the best value and quality for the bathhouse project.

In addition to the grant announcement, the board addressed financial matters concerning the park’s revenue. The financial outlook was largely positive, with the parks department generating approximately $1.9 million for the year. The golf course contributed to this figure, with revenue rising to about $192,000, a $20,000 increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, the campground and marina revenues remained stable, with minimal impact from a recent 5% rate increase.

The board also discussed the implications of staffing shortages on marina fuel sales, which saw a $10,000 decline. This decrease was attributed to reduced usage of a border patrol boat that typically consumed substantial fuel resources. Nevertheless, the board highlighted the positive guest experiences and favorable online reviews, maintaining an average rating of 4.6 stars on Google.

The meeting included deliberations on potential rate increases for marinas and seasonal RV sites. While nightly rates had already been increased by 3% in previous meetings, the board considered a 5% increase for marina rates, acknowledging the financial flexibility of marina users. However, concerns were raised regarding the impact on seasonal RV users, many of whom are on fixed incomes. To address these concerns, a cautious approach was proposed, resulting in a consensus to implement a 3% increase for both marina and seasonal rates.

Discussions extended to the pricing structure for campground sites, focusing on second-tier sites that are less desirable than lakeside locations. A proposed $10 increase for these transitional sites sparked debate, with concerns about complicating the rate card. Ultimately, the board opted to maintain current pricing, charging the higher pull-through rate for these sites to avoid confusion and ensure adequate revenue generation.

The board also considered the introduction of a “cheat fee” for campers who reserve sites under false pretenses, a practice that does not currently impact occupancy due to high demand. However, the board decided against implementing strict penalties, finding them unnecessary under current market conditions.

Further discussions addressed recreational hall and pavilion rental fees, with a motion to set rates at $75 for the hall and $50 for the pavilion. This proposal aimed to reflect the amenities offered by each facility, aligning with comparable community center rates. The board reached a consensus on these adjustments, along with a modest 3% increase in offseason storage rates.